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Assisted by the Federal Investigation Authority (FIA), personnel of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) raided one of the local industries in Islamabad’s Kahuta industrial area here Saturday, leading to the discovery of unlawful manufacturing of Sofasbuvir tablets, which are used for the treatment of Hepatitis C, and Everlong tablets, the registration of which has long been withdrawn.

Crackdown against unregistered, spurious and fake medicines has been intensified on the directions of Minister for Health Saira Afzal Tarar. Talking to this scribe, the minister said, “I have already announced zero tolerance for manufacturing of unregistered and spurious drugs. Several factories have been sealed and action as per law is being taken without discrimination.” She added that all field offices of DRAP in the provinces have been asked to maintain strict vigil on the criminal trade of spurious drugs and take immediate and stern action under the law.

When the raiding party arrived at the scene, they found that the premises was locked and a notice was sited at the gate showing the closure of factory for three days due to the death of father of one of the employees. When the team asked the guard to open the gate, he refused to do so. However, one of the team members hopped in and opened the gate.

On entering the premises, the team found that the factory operational, with the manufacturing process was going on. Extensive deliberations and questioning revealed that the company was manufacturing Sofasbuvir tablets without prior approval. It was further discovered that Everlong tablets were also being manufactured unlawfully and the stock had been sent to market for sale.

Interestingly, the drug had been packed in four different colour scheme packing. Viewing this, obligatory legal action was taken under the provisions of The Drugs Act 1976. According to cources, DRAP has given permission to the Federal Drugs Inspector to lodge an FIR against persons of the company, including the top management and the production In-charge.